August 11, 2010

AMC snaps up Scandinavian murder mystery drama

AMC, home of "Mad Men" and "Breaking Bad," is ramping up its drama slate quite a bit. Its newest drama series, the moody "Rubicon," debuted Aug. 1 and Frank Darabont's upcoming adaptation of "The Walking Dead" arrives in October.

Now the network has announced that it is picking up a fifth series, an untitled project based on a Danish TV miniseries about a young girl's murder. Mireille Enos from "Big Love" stars as the detective investigating the case, but for my money, the best news about this announcement is that it also stars Michelle Forbes, one of the best actresses working today.

The AMC release on the series, which is being headed up by former "Cold Case" writer Veena Sud, is below.

AMC PICKS UP NEXT ORIGINAL SERIES

Untitled Project from Veena Sud,

Formerly Known As The Killing

Mireille Enos (Big Love) to Star

New York, NY – August 11, 2010 - AMC announced today a full series order for the pilot that was formerly known as The Killing, from writer and executive producer Veena Sud (Cold Case). Sud has signed on to also serve as the showrunner for the series, which is currently untitled. Set in Seattle, the series is based on the wildly successful Danish television series “Forbrydelsen” and tells the story of the murder of a young girl and the subsequent police investigation. Produced by Fox Television Studios, it is executive produced by Mikkel Bondesen (Burn Notice) for Fuse Entertainment. Fuse’s Kristen Campo co-produces. AMC first announced the pilot order in January 2010 with Patty Jenkins (Monster) directing the pilot. Production on the series begins this fall in Vancouver and season one consists of 13, one-hour episodes. The series is slated to premiere in 2011 on AMC.

Today’s announcement marks the fifth original series greenlight for AMC. The first four were Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Rubicon and The Walking Dead.

“We are thrilled to be moving forward with this stunning piece of television. It is a crime drama, but it is also a gripping character based story that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The storytelling is completely compelling, and the show is visually breathtaking. Veena, Patty, Fuse, FTVS and the cast did a phenomenal job of bringing it to life.” said Joel Stillerman, AMC’s senior vice president of original programming, production and digital content.

"Ever since Mikkel Bondesen brought us this remarkable Danish mini-series, we were determined to bring it to American television,” said David Madden, Executive Vice President, Fox Television Studios. "We are so proud to be working with AMC and our extraordinary cast on this very special series."

As “Sarah,” Mireille Enos (Big Love) portrays the lead homicide detective that investigates the death of Rosie Larsen. Other previously announced castings include: Billy Campbell (Once and Again, Enough) as Darren Richmond, Seattle’s City Council President, running for Mayor; Michelle Forbes (True Blood) as Mitch Larsen, the victim’s mother; Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash) as Stephen Holder, an ex-narc cop who joins the homicide division in the investigation to find Rosie Larsen’s killer; and Brent Sexton (W., In the Valley of Elah) as Stan Larsen, the victim’s father.

The series ties together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victim’s grieving family and the suspects. The story also explores local politics as it follows politicians connected to the case. As it unfolds, it becomes clear that there are no accidents; everyone has a secret, and while the characters think they’ve moved on, their past isn’t done with them.

AMC’s Joel Stillerman, senior vice president of original programming, production and digital content and Susie Fitzgerald, senior vice president of scripted development and current programming, oversee development and production for the network.

AMC, which recently received 26 Emmy nominations, is the only network in television history to win three consecutive Golden Globe awards for best dramatic series for Mad Men (2008, 2009, 2010). Now in its fourth season, the series is garnering its highest ratings to date. The first two seasons of Breaking Bad awarded the outstanding lead actor Emmy award to Bryan Cranston for his portrayal of lead character Walt White. Rubicon, a conspiracy thriller starring James Badge Dale (HBO’s The Pacific), premiered August 1st. The Walking Dead premieres in October.

Comments

When I read this I immediately thought the plot sounded like "Laura Palmer" without the weird. Love Michelle Forbes (and Mad Men and Breaking Bad), so I will check this out.

Mo, I hope you are going to cover The Walking Dead too? I've been reading the graphic novels and there's some really good stuff in this story. The early images and behind-the-scenes from AMC with the creators look like they are going to tell a great story, and they've got some really talented folks involved.

Hum... let's hope that it's not going to end up as another 'Kingdom Hospital' -- which has it's charms, but really paled into insignificance before the incandescent lunacy of Lars von Trier's 'Rigert' (The Kingdom). With that caveat, AMC is getting it's original programming right (even their co-produced re-boot of 'The Prisoner' was an interesting failure) and if Michelle Forbes could come out of True Blood with her dignity intact, anything is possible.

The original 'Forbrydelsen' is a formidable series, absolutely thrilling, a symphony of understatement and kindness, of intensity and silence. Entertainment, tension and visuals at its best.
I've got the feeling, AMC is going to create a great adaptation.

Mo, this is a US adaption of Danish hit series 'The Killing'. I heard about it back in March of this year. Since they didn't provide the title, maybe they are planning on changing it to something else?

Mo here: Yes, they had tentatively titled it The Killing at first but now it won't be called that.

I'm not generally a fan of American re-makes, but Mireille Enos was the best thing about the last two seasons of Big Love, and Michelle Forbes was easily the best thing about True Love last season, so I think I may have to be in.

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